Pele's 1958 World Cup Final Jersey Sells for $4.9 Million at Auction
A match-worn jersey by Pele from the 1958 World Cup final has fetched $4.9 million at a Sotheby's auction in New York, marking one of the most expensive football memorabilia sales in history.
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A jersey worn by Brazilian football legend Pele during the 1958 World Cup final has sold for $4.9 million at a Sotheby's auction in New York. The sale marks one of the highest prices ever paid for a football shirt, according to This Day.
The auction, held on July 16, 2026, drew significant international attention. The shirt is believed to be the only known surviving jersey from the final match, where a 17-year-old Pele scored twice in Brazil’s 5–2 victory over Sweden. His performance cemented his status as a global football icon.
According to BBC Sport, the jersey is now the second most valuable football memorabilia ever sold. The auction house confirmed the final price included buyer premiums, though the identity of the purchaser was not disclosed.
Sotheby's described the item as 'a defining artifact of sports history,' highlighting its cultural and historical significance. The sale underscores the enduring legacy of Pele, who remains one of the most celebrated athletes of the 20th century.
Pele’s impact on football was immediate and lasting. The 1958 final, played in Stockholm, marked Brazil’s first World Cup triumph and launched a dynasty that would win the tournament five times.